Learn To Cook

Learning how to cook is not as difficult as many people think and it is a skill that will always come in handy. All you need to get started is a little bit of time, patience and motivation. In this article we look at the ways in which you can get in touch with your inner chef:

1. Buy a basic recipe book:
If you love books, purchase one for baking and one for cooking. Make sure the recipes are simple and easy to follow and if you can, try buy a local book as they are likely to list ingredients available locally.

2. Experiment with your mothers, grandmothers or aunties recipe book:
We all have one of these cherished books in the family – all the great classics like scones, pancakes, cheese puffs, milk tart, lasagna, dumplings etc etc. Try out one recipe at a time and watch your cooking skills develop.

3. Go on a basic cooking course:
A cooking course is a fast and effective way of learning the basics of cooking, quickly and correctly with the supervision of a skilled chef.

4. Make something simple:
Start off by making something simple – basic spaghetti bolognaise or a cottage pie or even fish and chips.

5. Ask a Friend:
Why not ask one of your friends who is good at cooking to come and help you prepare a dish one evening. He or she can give you tips whilst you cook and guide you through the process of creating a great meal.

6. Cooking DVDs:
These are great if you want to learn how to master a specific cooking or baking skill. Watch the DVD a few times and then try it out on your own.

7. Watch the cooking channel:
There are plenty of cooking programs on TV. Check out your TV guide and make a note of the times and channels of a few cooking programs and then sit back, relax and learn how to cook by watching talented local and international chefs.